The central open-to-air courtyard is a chief element of the home and is a perfect example of well-designed open spaces. The roofing of the houses is one element that will definitely catch your attention. Clay tiles supported by sturdy wooden rafters are used for the roofs. They serve an important function of keeping the interiors if the house cool from within and the roof pitch help in easy drainage of water off the roof. The roof tiles are generally red, but may also be black or brown. Paddipura is the term used to denote the front entrance of a house. This Paddipura begins with the front fencing of the house and comprises a traditionally designed and detailed door, with a tiled roof – either sloped or curving – at the top. This homes involve a lot of traditional materials in it's designs, the chief being wood and bricks. Wood is used for rafters of the roof, for beams and columns, for panelling of staircases, for parapets of the Poomukham and even for ornately designed pillars.